American Watchman And Delaware Advertiser

It is a subject of sincere congratulation to the friends of fervent piety, and the admirers of pulpit eloquence, that the Rev. Mr. Summerfield is now convalescent - There is no better proof of the lofty estimation in which this gentleman's character and talents are held, than the intense anxiety which has been manifested for his recovery. We recollect no instance of the kind in which public sympathy has been so warmly engaged, or in which the danger of one individual has produced so lively a sensation upon the general mind.

It has often been asked by those who have not enjoyed the pleasure of hearing Mr. Summerfield, in what the peculiar character of his preaching consisted.

The youth and apparent debility of the speaker, the diffident and solemn manner in which he performed the initiatory offices of divine worship: and above all, the chaste and fervent simplicity of his petition to the Eternal, swept aside all prejudice, and opened every heart and every eye to the truth and beauty of holiness.

His sermon was, beyond all comparison, superior to any thing the writer ever heard, though he has enjoyed opportunities of hearing with no careless ear, many faithful and able ministers of the word. - It was not of that declamatory kind, which is calculated to excite the feelings of a promiscuous assembly, nor of that subtile and metaphysical texture which involves the most vigorous intellect, and perplexes the plainest truth. It was on the contrary a happy union of argument and entreaty; seeking to convince and 'persuade men;' of propositions distinctly stated, cogently enforced, and happily illustrated by natural and felicitous imagery. It was the out-pouring of a full heart, seeking to disburthen itself of the awful responsibility of its station, and to give vent to the 'glad tidings' of the gospel, 'as the spirit gave it utterance.'

This was the first time the writer ever heard Mr. Summerfield. He afterwards enjoyed this pleasure several times, and his admiration was on every occasion increased by the wonderful versatility of his powers. His eloquence was not of that luscious kind which cloys by the unhappy profusion of its sweets, nor of that mechanical construction which begins every paragraph with a trope or concludes it with a figure. It was rather of that chameleon character which takes the hue of the object whereon it dwells, and finds the manner in the matter.

Sometimes he would lash the offending conscience with the scorpions of the Law: and at other times he would bind up the 'broken hearted' with the promises of Christ: and pour into the bleeding and contrite heart, 'the oil and the wine of the gospel.' Occasionally he would descend into the inmost recess of our nature, and probe to the core the corruptions of the unrenewed heart, which is 'evil, only evil, and that continually.' Then he would melt into unrestrained tenderness while he exclaimed 'turn ye - turn ye - why will ye die?' - And again, as promise and prophecy flashed upon his mind, the veil of eternity seemed rent from before him; the glories of the second advent appeared to burst upon his vision, and a voice seemed thrilling in his ears.

Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

W.